If you're a fan of documentaries, you'll be pleased to know that there are a number of great apps available for your mobile device. Whether you're looking for something to watch on your commute or to curl up with on the couch, there's sure to be an app that has something for you. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best documentaries apps available for Netflix, Tubi, and Peacock TV.
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Netflix |  | Android, iOS | 4.1/5 | 3B+ | Personalized recommendations, Vast content library |
| 2. Tubi |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 166M+ | Completely free streamer, Largest library in streaming |
| 3. Peacock TV |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 37M+ | Exclusive Originals, Live Sports and Events, Vast Content Library |
| 4. discovery+ | Stream TV Shows |  | Android | 4.8/5 | 12M+ | Vast library of shows, Live sports action, Anytime, anywhere access |
| 5. HISTORY |  | Android, iOS | 4.3/5 | 7M+ | Watch full episodes, Catch up on seasons, Exclusive clips |
| 6. Curiosity Stream |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 4M+ | World-class documentaries, Exclusive original content |
| 7. PBS |  | Android | 4.6/5 | 3M+ | Live TV streaming, Local news updates, Indie film discovery |
| Load more |
1. Netflix
Vast documentary library, Personalized recommendations, Offline viewing
Cost: Netflix Basic with ads ($6.99/month), Netflix Standard ($15.49/month)
Hop on the streaming bandwagon with Netflix, the ultimate documentaries app that brings the world's best documentaries to your mobile device. Say goodbye to buffering woes and limited programming, because Netflix delivers an unparalleled viewing experience with its vast library of critically acclaimed and award-winning documentaries.
Despite occasional technical hiccups, Netflix remains the go-to destination for documentary enthusiasts. With its intuitive interface and customizable brightness slider, you can easily adjust your viewing experience to suit your preferences. Whether you're looking to delve into true crime, explore scientific breakthroughs, or witness the complexities of human nature, Netflix has a documentary that will captivate your mind and broaden your perspective.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 5 Billion |
| Features | Stream movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more on various devices, create multiple profiles, receive personalized recommendations, and download content for offline viewing. |
| Pros | Vast library, high-quality streaming, personalized experience, offline downloads. |
| Cons | Subscription-based, limited free content, potential for price increases, regional variations in content library. |
- Tags:
- Personalized recommendations
- Vast content library
- Offline viewing
✨ Read more: app for fb live
2. Tubi
Free to use, Extensive library, Live TV channels
Cost: Tubi Free (Free), N/A (N/A)
Tubi, the documentaries app, offers a vast collection of free documentaries on your mobile device. Its user-friendly interface and diverse content make it an excellent choice for documentary enthusiasts. With Tubi, you can access award-winning originals and deep cuts, ensuring a wide selection for your viewing pleasure.
Despite its impressive features, Tubi faces challenges in handling slow networks and managing memory efficiently. However, it excels in providing a seamless viewing experience on both TV and phones. With its AutoPlay feature, you can enjoy nonstop entertainment, while the ability to resume viewing from where you left off ensures a hassle-free experience. Additionally, Tubi offers personalized recommendations based on your viewing history, making it a tailored and immersive documentary app.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 100 Million |
| Features | Stream a vast library of movies and TV shows for free, with personalized recommendations and support for multiple devices. |
| Pros | Completely free, wide selection, easy to use. |
| Cons | Contains ads, limited new releases, streaming quality can be inconsistent. |
- Tags:
- Free to Watch
- Vast library
- Live TV channels
✨ Read more: app for drive in movie
3. Peacock TV
Exclusive documentaries, Award-winning originals, In-depth explorations
Cost: Peacock Free (Free), Peacock Premium ($4.99/month)
Immerse yourself in a world of captivating documentaries with Peacock TV, the ultimate streaming app for documentary enthusiasts. Despite occasional technical hiccups, Peacock TV boasts an impressive library of documentaries that will ignite your curiosity and keep you engaged.
Peacock TV's user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to navigate and discover new documentaries to watch. With its vast selection and seamless streaming, you'll never run out of documentaries to explore. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking knowledge, Peacock TV has something to offer.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 10 million |
| Features | Stream on-demand movies, TV shows, live sports, news channels, and Peacock Originals with multiple subscription plans. |
| Pros | Affordable plans, extensive content library, includes live sports. |
| Cons | Limited free content, ads on most plans, some popular shows lack full seasons. |
- Tags:
- Exclusive originals
- Live Sports and Events
- Thousands of TV Shows
✨ Read more: app for biography
4. discovery+ | Stream TV Shows
Exclusive original content, Extensive library of documentaries
Cost: Discovery+ Free (Free), Discovery+ (Ad-Free) ($6.99/month)
If you're looking for a great documentaries app, discovery+ | Stream TV Shows is the perfect choice. With an ever-expanding library of documentaries on any topic you can imagine, you're sure to find something to suit your interests. The app is also easy to use.
However, recent updates to the app have made it less enjoyable for many users. The abundance of repetitive commercials, glitches, and navigation issues have left many users frustrated. The lack of an easy way to upgrade or change your account settings without using a desktop computer has also been met with criticism. If you're willing to put up with these issues, discovery+ | Stream TV Shows is still a great way to watch documentaries on your mobile device. However, if you're looking for a more seamless experience, you may want to look elsewhere.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 10 Million |
| Features | Stream live channels, on-demand shows, and exclusive originals from Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, ID, Animal Planet, and more. |
| Pros | Vast library of content, user-friendly interface, good value for money. |
| Cons | Limited simultaneous streams, some content may be geographically restricted, occasional streaming quality issues. |
- Tags:
- Massive Content Library
- Exclusive original shows
- Live TV and Sports
✨ Read more: app for bengali movies
5. HISTORY
Full episode access, Exclusive content, Personalized experience
Cost: HISTORY Free (Free), HISTORY Vault ($4.99/month)
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of history with the HISTORY app, your go-to destination for documentaries that ignite curiosity and broaden perspectives. With a vast library at your fingertips, you'll delve into the stories that have shaped our past, present, and future. From epic battles and groundbreaking discoveries to enigmatic mysteries and cultural transformations, HISTORY brings the annals of time to life like never before.
Enjoy a seamless viewing experience as the HISTORY app remembers your progress, ensuring you can pick up where you left off. However, be prepared to adjust your volume during commercial breaks, as the app's advertisement volume tends to be louder than the programming. Additionally, while the app itself is stable, it lacks a setting to disable notifications, requiring you to resort to brute force methods via your OS settings. Despite these minor inconveniences, the HISTORY app remains a treasure trove of historical knowledge and an essential companion for anyone fascinated by the human story.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 5 Million |
| Features | Watch full episodes and clips of your favorite HISTORY shows, explore a curated collection of historical articles and videos, and access live TV streaming. |
| Pros | Wide variety of content, including both entertainment and educational. |
| Cons | Requires a cable subscription for full access, frequent ads can be disruptive. |
- Tags:
- Full episodes and clips
- Exclusive clips and scenes
- Personalized viewing
✨ Read more: app for 3d movies
6. Curiosity Stream
Wide range of documentaries, Offline viewing available, Educational and entertaining
Cost: Curiosity Stream Free (Free with ads), Curiosity Stream Premium (Starts at $2.99/month)
Are you hungry for knowledge and eager to dive into the fascinating world of documentaries? Curiosity Stream is the app you need on your mobile device! With a vast library of high-definition documentaries covering a diverse range of topics, from science to history, Curiosity Stream brings the wonders of the world to your fingertips.
Although the app's interface may not be as polished as some of the streaming giants, Curiosity Stream makes up for it with its impressive content. The intuitive navigation on the phone app allows you to easily find and select your desired documentaries. And with the option to download videos for offline viewing, you can quench your thirst for knowledge even when you're on the go.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million downloads |
| Features | Stream thousands of documentaries and nonfiction series on science, nature, history, technology, and more. |
| Pros | High-quality content, offline viewing, multiple device profiles. |
| Cons | Limited original programming compared to competitors, subscription required to access full library. |
- Tags:
- World-class documentaries
- Exclusive Original Content
- Expert-led insights
7. PBS
Endless video streaming, Live TV and news, Award-winning documentaries
Cost: PBS (Free), PBS Passport (Starts at $5.00/month)
The PBS app is a must-have for documentary enthusiasts, offering a vast library of thought-provoking and educational content. Despite some technical hiccups, the app's extensive catalog, including acclaimed series and specials, provides a treasure trove of knowledge and insights.
While the app's user interface may not be the most intuitive, it grants access to a wealth of documentaries that delve into current events, history, science, and the arts. The ability to stream live TV and enjoy full seasons with PBS Passport further enhances the app's value. However, users have expressed concerns about occasional playback issues and the lack of convenient playback controls, reminding us that even the best apps have room for improvement.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 10 million downloads |
| Features | Stream live TV from PBS and PBS Kids, watch on-demand content including full episodes and documentaries, create a watchlist, and access content with closed captions. |
| Pros | Free access to a vast library of educational and entertaining content. |
| Cons | Requires a stable internet connection, some content may require a PBS Passport membership, limited live TV streaming options. |
- Tags:
- Live TV streaming
- Live News Coverage
- Indie film library
8. Kanopy
Free with library card, No ads, Curated content
Cost: Kanopy Basic (Free with participating libraries), Kanopy Kids (Usually included with Kanopy Basic, may vary by library)
Kanopy is a remarkable documentaries app that grants you access to an impressive collection of films, all for free, thanks to your library. Dive into a world of cinematic exploration, where you can delve into thought-provoking documentaries, captivating shorts, and much more. With its user-friendly interface and vast selection, Kanopy is the perfect companion for documentary enthusiasts.
While Kanopy's video playback may occasionally encounter glitches, its well-curated content and valuable features make it a standout app. Immerse yourself in the "Great Courses" section, a treasure trove of educational offerings that will ignite your curiosity and expand your knowledge. Kanopy's "Continue Watching" tab could benefit from improvements, but the ability to add items to your watchlist ensures you'll never lose track of your cinematic journey.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million |
| Features | Stream a vast library of films, documentaries, and educational videos, curated from renowned sources like The Criterion Collection, PBS, and the Great Courses. |
| Pros | Free with library card, high-quality content, offline viewing. |
| Cons | Limited number of views per month, not all libraries participate, content library can vary. |
- Tags:
- Free ad-supported streaming
- Award-winning and classic films
- Unlimited kids content with parental controls
9. DocuBay
Free documentaries, Award-winning content, Wide variety of categories
Cost: Free (Free), DocuBay Premium ($4.99/month)
Embark on an extraordinary cinematic journey with DocuBay, the premium documentaries app that brings the world's most captivating stories to your fingertips. Immerse yourself in an ever-expanding library of award-winning documentaries spanning diverse genres, from true crime and nature's wonders to thought-provoking science and inspiring sports tales. With daily updates and an intuitive design, DocuBay promises an unparalleled documentary experience.
However, user feedback suggests areas where DocuBay can refine its offerings. While its extensive collection and smooth operation are commendable, concerns have been raised regarding occasional performance inconsistencies. Furthermore, the current limit of two simultaneous downloads may hinder the viewing experience for premium subscribers, who expect greater flexibility in accessing content. DocuBay's commitment to user satisfaction is evident in its ongoing efforts to enhance the app's performance and introduce features such as adjustable video quality, ensuring that viewers can fully immerse themselves in the groundbreaking documentaries it offers.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 1 million |
| Features | Offers a curated library of documentaries across various genres, personalized recommendations, offline viewing, and HD streaming. |
| Pros | High-quality documentaries, curated selection, offline viewing. |
| Cons | Subscription-based model with limited free content, occasional buffering issues reported by some users. |
- Tags:
- Free Documentaries
- Award-winning films
- Wide Variety of Topics
10. MagellanTV Documentaries
Wide range of documentaries, High-quality content, User-friendly interface
Cost: Monthly Subscription ($6.99/month), Annual Subscription ($69.99/year)
MagellanTV Documentaries, a treasure cove of documentaries, offers an immersive viewing experience with an array of captivating content. Explore the depths of history, unravel the mysteries of science, delve into the shadows of true crime, and venture into the enigmatic realm of the paranormal. With its vast library of thought-provoking and visually stunning documentaries, MagellanTV caters to every curious mind.
Yet, beneath its surface of captivating content, MagellanTV faces technical challenges that mar the user experience. Intermittent Chromecast issues, the absence of a viewing history feature, and recurring error messages can be frustrating obstacles. The lack of multiple profiles and the inability to continue playback with the screen off further limit the app's functionality. Despite its rich content offerings, these shortcomings may leave users yearning for a smoother and more comprehensive viewing experience.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 750,000+ |
| Features | Stream thousands of high-quality documentaries and series, ad-free, across multiple devices with new programs added weekly. |
| Pros | Vast library of diverse and engaging documentaries; high-quality streaming. |
| Cons | Subscription required; no free trial; occasional issues with app stability and navigation. |
- Tags:
- Expansive Documentary Library
- True Crime Documentaries
- History documentaries
11. History Hit
Exclusive original films, Ad-free podcasts, Downloads for offline use
Cost: History Hit Free (Free), History Hit ($14.99/month or $89.99/year)
History Hit is a documentaries app that offers a vast collection of historical documentaries, providing users with an immersive and educational experience. Users rave about the app's content, describing it as a "Netflix for history lovers" that presents history in an engaging and authentic manner. The app's extensive library covers a wide range of topics, including ancient civilizations, world wars, and significant historical figures.
While the content is highly praised, the app's functionality has received mixed reviews. Users appreciate the ability to access documentaries on multiple devices, but express frustration over the lack of "continue watching" and "my list" features. Additionally, the app's tendency to reset the user's progress and the absence of a proper podcast and audio section have been cited as areas for improvement. Despite these drawbacks, many users find the app's content engaging enough to overlook these inconveniences.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 250,000 downloads |
| Features | Unlimited access to documentaries, podcasts, audio guides, history books, and exclusive content, all curated by historian Dan Snow. |
| Pros | High-quality historical content presented in an engaging way. |
| Cons | Subscription-based model with limited free content, occasional technical issues reported by users. |
- Tags:
- Exclusive content
- Expert insights
- Ad-free documentaries
12. 4biddenknowledge TV
Exclusive original content, Wide variety of topics, User-friendly interface
Cost: 4biddenknowledge TV Free (Free), 4biddenknowledge TV Premium ($11.99/month)
In today's digital age, it's easier than ever to access information. But with so much content available, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's where 4biddenknowledge TV comes in. 4biddenknowledge TV is a streaming service that offers a wide variety of documentaries on topics such as ancient wisdom, hidden mysteries, and unexplained phenomena.
With its vast library of content, 4biddenknowledge TV is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the world around them. The app is easy to use and navigate, and it offers a variety of features that make it easy to find and watch the documentaries you want.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | Over 100,000 |
| Features | Streaming platform with live and on-demand content featuring exclusive shows, documentaries, and podcasts on various topics. |
| Pros | Exclusive content, diverse topics, offline viewing available. |
| Cons | Subscription-based, potential for misinformation, app can be buggy at times. |
- Tags:
- Esoteric Knowledge
- Science and Nature
- Mind-Expanding Shows